Brad Laird resigns, Northwestern State's remaining schedule canceled after Ronnie Caldwell death

Northwestern State has canceled the rest of its 2023 football season and head coach Brad Laird has resigned from his position with the team, according to a report from Dylan Domangue of KALB.

The news comes in the wake of the mid-October death of safety Ronnie Caldwell.

Caldwell, 21, was killed on Oct. 12 after he was shot near his apartment. The news rocked the entire athletics department, and with it the FCS football team in the Southland Conference.

“Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” president Marcus Jones said in a statement. “While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep. Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family.”

Northwestern State did initially return to the field. The team’s ensuing game against Nicholls following Caldwell’s death was canceled, but the unit was able to regroup and play against Southeastern Louisiana on Oct. 19. Northwestern State lost 37-20.

The remaining four games on the schedule — at McNeese, vs. Houston Christian, at UIW and vs. Texas A&M-Commerce — have been scrapped. Northwestern State finished its season 0-6. But all anyone will likely remember is the tragic loss of Caldwell.

Baird offered his resignation and cited his inability to provide his players with everything they need as a reason.

“Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don’t feel I can give my all to these players or this program,” Laird said in a statement. “Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA.”

Northwestern State thanked Laird on his way out.

“We appreciate coach Laird’s long-term investment in Northwestern State football,” athletics director Kevin Bostian said. “From his undergraduate time as a record-setting quarterback to his year spent overseeing the university’s alumni office to coaching, he has been a vital member of the team. While we are disappointed not to be able to finish the season, we are confident that better days lie ahead for Northwestern State football.”

With Laird stepping down assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Weston Glaser will step in as the interim head coach. The program will immediately begin a search for its next coach.